Difficult Vocabulary

DIFFICULT VOCABULARIES

abate to lessen to subside abdication giving up control authority aberration straying away from what is normal abet help/encourage smb (in doing wrong) abeyance suspended action abhor to hate to detest abide be faithful to endure abjure promise or swear to give up abraded rubbed off worn away by friction abrogate repeal or annul by authority abscond to go away suddenly (to avoid arrest) abstruse difficult to comprehend obscure abut border on abysmal bottomless extreme acarpous effete no longer fertile worn out acclaimed welcomed with shouts and approval accolade praise approval accretion the growing of separate things into one accrue accumulate adamant kind of stone inflexible admonitory containing warning adorn add beauty decorate adulteration making unpure poorer in quality affable polite and friendly affinity close connection relationship aggravate make worse irritate agile active quick-moving agog eager/excited ail trouble be ill alacrity eager and cheerful readiness alcove recess/partially enclosed place ale fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer aleck one who considers himself smarter than others allegiance duty support loyalty alleviate make (pain) easier to bear alloy to debase by mixing with something inferior aloof reserved indifferent amalgamate mix combine unite societies ambidextrous able to use the left hand or the right equally well ambiguous doubtful uncertain ambivalent having both of two contrary meanings ambrosial extremely pleasing to taste ameliorate improve make better amortize end (a debt) by setting aside money anguish severe suffering animosity strong dislike antidote medicine used against a poison or a disease antithetical direct opposing apartheid brutal racial discrimination aplomb self-confidence apostate one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions apotheosis deification glorification to godliness appease make quiet or calm apprehensive grasping understanding fear unhappy feeling about future apprise give notice to inform approbation approval apropos appropriate to the situation apt apt well-suited quick-witted arabesque a complex ornate design arboreal of connected with trees ardor enthusiasm arduous steep difficult ascent laborious argot jargon slang arrant in the highest degree arrogance proud superior manner of behaviour articulate speak distinctly connect by joints ascend go or come up ascertain get to know ascetic practicing self-denial austere stark ascribe consider to be the origin of or belonging to aseptic surgically clean asperity roughness harshness ill temper irritability aspersion slander assail with attack violently assiduous diligent hard-working sedulous assuage make something (pain desire) less asterisk the mark * (e.g.. omitted letters) astringent substance that shrinks astute clever quick at seeing to get an advantage atonement repayment death of Jesus attenuate make thin. weaken enervate attune bring into harmony audacious daring foolishly bold impudent augury omen sign august majestic venerable auspicious favorable successful prosperous austere severely moral and strict simple and plain auxiliary helping supporting aver affirm assert prove justify aversion strong dislike avid eager greedy avow admit. Declare openly baleful harmful ominous causing evil balk obstacle purposely to get on the way of baneful causing harm or ruin pernicious destructive barrage artificial obstacle built across a river barren not good enough unable to have young ones without value bask in enjoy warmth and light beatify to bless make happy or ascribe a virtue to bedizen to adorn especially in a cheap showy manner belabor beat hard bellicose belligerent pugnacious warlike belligerent (person nation) waging war benefactor person who has given help benevolence wish or activity in doing good benign kind and gentle mild (climate) bequest arrangement to give something at death berate scold sharply bereft rob or dispossess of something (material) bewilder puzzle confuse bigot stubborn narrow-minded person bilge bulge the protuberance of a cask blandishment flattery coaxing blandness polite manner comforting uninteresting blatant noisy and rough blithe cheerful casual carefree bogus sham counterfeit not genuine boisterous loud noisy rough lacking restraint bolster give greatly needed support boorish crude offensive rude brash hasty rush cheeky saucy brass yellow metal (mixing copper and zinc) brazen made of brass breach opening broken place breaking brittle easily broken broach bring up announce begin to talk about brook to tolerate endure buoyant able to float light-hearted burgeon grow forth send out buds burnish to polish rub to a shine cabal a scheme or plot a group of plotters cadge to beg to get by begging cajole use flattery or deceit to persuade calipers metal supports attached to the legs measuring instrument calumny slander aspersion candid frank straight-forward cant insincere talk/jargon cantankerous bad-tempered/quarrelsome canvass discuss thoroughly sort of touting castigate to chastise correct by punishing castigation severe punishment catalyst substance that causes speeding up caustic biting sarcastic censure expression of blame or disapproval a rebuke centurion leader of a unit of 100 soldiers chary cautious wary chastened corrected punished chastisement punishment chauvinist a blindly devoted patriot chicanery legal trickery/false argument chisel steel tool for shaping materials churl bad-tempered person clamor shout complain with a lot of noise clientele customers clinch come to grips/settle conclusively cling to resist separation clot half-solid lump formed from liquid cloture closing device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting coagulation change to a thick and solid state coalescing coming together and uniting into one substance coax get smb to do something by kindness coda passage that completes a piece of music coddle treat with care and tenderness coerce compel to force to make obedient coeval of the same period coexisting cogent strong convincing cogitate think deeply mediate cognizant being fully aware of cohort a group or band of people colander bowl-shaped vessel with many holes used to drain off water collusion secret agreement for a deceitful purpose combustion process of burning commemorate keep the memory of commodious having plenty of space for what is needed commuter person who travels regularly complaisance tending to comply obliging willingness to please compunction feeling of regret for one's action conceal hide keep secret conceit over-high opinion of too much pride conciliatory reconciling soothing comforting mollifying concord agreement or harmony concur agree in opinion happen together condense increase in density strength make laconic Conduce To bring about condone forgive congeal make or become stiff and solid conjoin to join together connoisseur a person with good judgement (e.g.. in art) connotation suggestion in addition to consequential pompous self important console give comfort or sympathy to conspicuous easily seen remarkable consternation surprise and fear dismay constrain compel constrict make tight or smaller consume get to the end of consummate perfect/make perfect/complete contemn to scorn or despise contentious argumentative pugnacious combative quarrelsome contiguous touching neighboring near contrite filled with deep sorrow for wrongdoing contumacious insubordinate rebellious conundrum a riddle dilemma enigma conviction convincing firm belief convoke call together summon convoluted complicated coiled twisted cordial warm and sincere cordon line (of police acting as a guard) cornucopia abundant supply corporeal physical of or for the body correlate have a mutual relation corroboration additional strengthening evidence countenance to favor or approve of counterfeit forgery countervail counterbalance covert disguised covetous eagerly desirous cower crouch shrink back coy shy/modest (esp of a girl) crass very great (es. stupidity) cravat piece of linen worn as a necktie craven cowardly crease line made by crushing white line on the ground in cricket credulity too great a readiness to believe things credulous ready to believe things crush press lose shape subdue overwhelm cryptic secret with a hidden meaning cumbersome burdensome heavy and awkward to carry curmudgeon bad-tempered person curriculum course of study cursory quick hurried curtail make shorter then was planned dainty pretty/delicate(food)/difficult to please daunt intimidate make fearful dawdler person who is slow waste of time dearth shortage debacle a breakup overthrow sudden disaster decorum propriety properness decree order given by authority decry disapprove of defer postpone give way (to show respect) deferential showing respect defiance open disobedience or resistance delineate to portray depict sketch out deluge great flood heavy rush of water demagogue person appealing not to reasons demur to hesitate raise objections denigrate blacken belittle sully defame denouement an outcome or solution the unraveling of a plot deplete use until none remains deposition dethronement depositing deprave make morally bad corrupt deprecate protest against express disapproval of dereliction deserting and leaving to fall into ruins derision ridicule mockery deriding derivative unoriginal obtained from another source derogatory insulting tending to damage descry catch sight of see something in the distance desiccant substance used to absorb moisture desuetude cessation of use disuse desultory aimless haphazard digressing at random deter discourage hinder detraction slandering verbal attack aspersion detumescence diminishing or lessening of swelling deviance being different in moral standards (from normal) dexterity skill (esp. in handling) diaphanous transparent gauzy diatribe bitter and violent attack in words didactic intended to instruct diffidence shyness dilate speak comprehensively become wider large disallow refuse to allow or accept as a correct discern see with an effort but clearly discomfit confuse embarrass disconcert upset the self-possession of discountenance refuse to approve of discourse speech lecture discredit refuse to believe discreet careful/prudent discrete individually distinct disdain look on with contempt disencumber free from encumbrance disheveled untidy disingenuous sophisticated artful trying to deceive cunning disinter dig up from the earth dislodge move force from the place occupied dismal sad gloomy miserable disparate essentially different disproof proof to the contrary dissemble speak or behave so as to hide something (in mind) disseminate distribute (esp. ideas) dissent have a different opinion refuse to assent dissolution disintegration looseness in morals distraught distracted violently upset in mind divergence getting farther apart from a point divestiture taking off getting rid of giving up divulge make known something secret doggerel trivial poorly constructed verse dogmatic positive certain arbitrary without room for discussion dolt stupid fellow dormant in a state of inactivity but awaiting development dote show much fondness center one's attention drawl slow way of speaking droll jesting drone male bee person who isn't self-employed drowsiness feeling sleepy half asleep dubious feeling doubt dud no use person something that fails dulcet melodious harmonious dupe cheat make a fool of duplicity deliberate deception duress threats to compel smb dwarf person or smb much below the usual size dynamo a generator something that produces electric current earthenware dishes made of baked clay ebullience exuberance outburst of feeling ebullient overflowing with enthusiasm showing excitement ecumenical representing the whole Christian world edacious voracious devouring eddy circular or spiral movement (e.g.. of wind) edible fit to be eaten/not poisonous effete infertile worn out weak efficacy production of a desired result effluvia outflow in a stream of particles a noxious odor or vapor effrontery boldness impudence arrogance egress way out exit elaborate worked out with much care in great detail elegy a lament a melancholy composition elicit draw out eloquence fluent speaking skillful use of language emaciate make thin and weak embellish make beautiful embezzle use in a wrong way for one's own benefit emote stir up excite empirical relying on experiment encapsulate enclose in capsule encomium warm or glowing praise eulogy panegyric encumbrance burden things that get on the way of endearing making dear or liked endemic epidemic epiphany A Christian feast celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. endorse write one's name on the back of enduring lasting enervate weaken deprive of strength attenuate engender cause produce give rise to engrave impress deeply engrossing taken up all the time or attention writing in large or formal engulf swallow up enigma something that is puzzling enmity hatred being an enemy ensign flag/badge entangle put into difficulties enthral please greatly/enslave (fig) entice tempt or persuade entreat ask earnestly enunciate pronounce (words)/express a theory enzyme catalyst epicurean devoted to pleasure (sensuous enjoyment) epistle letter epithet adjective epitome brief summary representative example a typical model equable steady regular equanimity calmness of temperament equilibrium state of being balanced equipoise equal distribution of weight equilibrium equivocal having a double or doubtful meaning suspicious equivocate try to deceive by equivocal language eradicate get rid of pull up by the roots erratic irregular in behaviour or opinion erudite learned scholarly eschew avoid esoteric abstruse intended only for a small circle of espouse marry give one's support to eulogy formal praise panegyric euphoria elation state of pleasant excitement euthanasia easy and painless death evasive tending to evade evince to show clearly to indicate evoke call up bring out excoriation severe criticism exculpate to clear from a charge of guilt exhaustive complete thorough exigency emergency an urgent situation exoneration set smb clear free (e.g.. from blame) exorbitant much too high or great expatiate to roam wander freely expedient likely to be useful for a purpose expiation ending expiring exploit brilliant achievement develop use selfishly expostulate argue earnestly to dissuade correct or protest expurgate to remove obscenity purify censor exscind to cut out cut away extant still in existence extempore without previous thought or preparation extenuate reduce the strength of lessen seriousness partially excuse extinct no longer active extinguish end the existence of/wipe or put out extirpate to destroy exterminate cut out exscind extol praise highly extort obtain by threats violence extralegal outside the law extricable that can be freed extrovert cheerful person exuberance state of growing vigorously being full of life facetious humorous funny jocular facile easily done fagged too tired, exhausted fallacious based on error falter waver/move in an uncertain manner fatuous without sense foolish self-satisfaction fawn young deer try to win smb's favor feckless lacking purpose or vitality ineffective careless fecund fertile feint pretend felicitous apt suitably expressed well chosen apropos felon person guilty of murder ferment substance become excited ferocity savage cruelty ferret discover by searching search fervid showing earnest feeling fervor warmth of feelings earnestness fetid stinking fetter to shackle put in chains feud bitter quarrel over a long period of time fidelity loyalty accuracy fidget move restlessly make nervous figurehead carved image on the prow of a ship finesse delicate way of dealing with a situation finical too fussy about food clothing etc. finicky finical fission splitting or division (esp. of cells) fixate stare at flak criticism/anti-aircraft guns flamboyant brightly colored florid flaunting show off complacently flax pale yellow (hair) a plant fledged able to fly trained experienced fleet number of ships quick-moving flinch draw move back wince flop fail/move/fall clumsily florid very much ornamented naturally red (e.g.. of face) flout reject mock to go against (as in going against tradition) fluke lucky stroke fluster make nervous or confused foible defect of character (a person is wrongly proud) foil prevent from carrying out contrast foment put something warm (to lessen the pain) foolproof incapable of failure or error foppish like a man who pays too much attention to his clothes forage food for horses and cattle forbear refrain from be patient ancestor forbearance patience willingness to wait ford shallow place in a river (to cross) forestall prevent by taking action in advance preempt forfeit suffer the loss of something forge workshop for the shaping of metal to shape metal lead forgery counterfeit forswear renounce disallow repudiate foster nurture care for fracas noisy quarrel fragile easily injured broken or destroyed fragrant sweet-smelling frantic wildly excited with joy pain anxiety frenetic frantic frenzied fret worry irritation wear away fringe edge ornamental border part of hair over the forehead froward intractable not willing to yield or comply stubborn frugal careful economical fulmination bitter protest fulsome disgusting offensive due to excessiveness gainsay to deny to oppose garble make unfair selection from facts garner to gather and save to store up garrulity talkativeness garrulous too talkative gaucherie socially awkward tactless behavior germane relevant pertinent to gist the point general sense glean gather facts in small quantities glib ready and smooth but not sincere glimmer weak/unsteady light gloat over look at with selfish delight glut supply to much fill to excess gnaw waste away bite steadily goad something urging a person to action gorge eat greedily/narrow opening with a stream gossamer soft light delicate material gouge tool for cutting grooves in wood gourmand a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess grandiloquent using pompous words grave serious requiring consideration graze touch or scrape lightly in passing gregarious living in societies liking the company grievous causing grief or pain serious dire grave grovel crawl humble oneself guile deceit cunning gullible easily gulled gush burst out suddenly/talk ardently gust outburst of feeling sudden rain wind fire etc. hack cut roughly hired horse halcyon calm and peaceful hallow to make holy consecrate harangue a long passionate speech harbinger something or smb that foretells the coming of harrow to distress create stress or torment haughty arrogant conceited heed attention/give notice to heinous odious (of crime) heresy belief contrary to what is generally accepted hermetic sealed by fusion heterogeneous made up of different kinds hew make by hard work cut (by striking) highbrow (person) with superior tastes hirsute hairy shaggy hoax mischievous trick played on smb for a joke hoi polloi the masses the rabble hollow not soled with hole holster leather case for a pistol homiletics act of preaching hone stone used for sharpening tools hoodwink trick mislead hospitable liking to give hospitality hubris arrogant pride hush make or become silent husk worthless outside part of anything hypocrisy falsely making oneself appear to be good iconoclast person who attacks popular beliefs idiosyncrasy personal mannerism idolatry excessive admiration of idyll a carefree episode or experience ignoble dishonorable common undignified ignominious shameful dishonorable undignified disgraceful illicit unlawful forbidden imbroglio complicated and embarrassing situation immaculate pure faultless imminent likely to come or happen soon immutable that cannot be changed impair worsen diminish in value impassive unmoved feeling no sign of passion impecunious having little or no money impede hinder get in the way of impediment something that hinders (e.g. stammer) impending imminent being about to happen expected imperative urgent essential imperious commanding haughty arrogant impermeable that cannot be permeated imperturbable calm not capable of being excited impervious not allowing to pass through (of materials) imperviousness haughty arrogant commanding impetuous having sudden energy impulsive thrusting ahead forceful impiety lack of reverence or dutifulness implacable incapable of being placated unpleasable implicate show that smb has a share implicit implied though not plainly expressed implosion collapse bursting inward importune beg urgently solicit (of a prostitute) imprecation an invocation of evil a curse impromptu without preparation impudent rash indiscreet impugned challenged to be doubted impute to attribute to a cause or source ascribe inadvertent not paying proper attention inane silly senseless inasmuch since because incense make angry incessant often repeated continual inchoate not yet fully formed rudimentary elementary incipient beginning incise engrave make a cut in incite stir up rouse inclined directing the mind in a certain direction incongruous out of place not in harmony or agreement incorrigibility cannot be cured or corrected incredulous skeptical unwilling to believe inculcate fix firmly by repetition incumbents official duties incursion a raid a sudden attack indefatigability not easily exhaustible tirelessness indelible that cannot be rubbed out indigence poverty indigenous native indistinct not easily heard seen clearly marked indolence laziness indomitable not easily discouraged or subdued indulge gratify give way to satisfy allow oneself indulgent inclined to indulge ineffable to great to be described in words ineluctable certain inevitable inept unskillful said or done at the wrong time ineptitude quality of being unskillful inferno hell infuriate fill with fury or rage infuse put pour fill ingenuous naive young artless frank honest sincere ingest take in by swallowing inimical harmful or friendly inimitable defying imitation unmatchable innocuous causing no harm inscrutable incapable of being discovered or understood insensible unconscious unresponsive unaffected insinuate suggest unpleasantly make a way for something gently insipid without taste or flavor insouciant unconcerned carefree insularity narrow-mindedness isolated insurrection rising of people to open resistance to interdict prohibit forbid interim as an installment intersperse place here and there intransigence unwillingness to compromise stubbornness intractability intransigent uncompromising intrepid fearless brave undaunted introspection examining one's own thoughts and feelings inundate flood cover by overflowing inured accustomed to adapted invective abusive language curses inveigh to attack verbally denounce deprecate inveterate deep-rooted. long-established invincible too strong to be defeated involute complex irascible irritable easily angered irate angry ire anger irksome tiresome irresolute hesitating undecided irrevocable final and unalterable itinerate to travel from place to place to peregrinate jabber talk excitedly utter rapidly jagged notched, rough jibe gibe make fun of jocular meant as a joke judicious sound in judgment wise knit draw together unite firmly labyrinthine to entangle the state of affairs lachrymose causing tears tearful lackluster (of eyes) dull lament show feel great sorrow lassitude weariness tiredness latent present but not yet active developed or visible laudatory expressing or giving praise lavish giving or producing freely liberally or generously legacy something handed down from ancestors levee formal reception/embankment levity lack of seriousness libel statement that damages reputation liberality free giving generosity libertine immoral person lien legal claim until a debt on it is repaid limn paint portray limp lacking strength walking unevenly lionize treat as a famous person lithe bending twisting loll rest to sit or stand in a lazy way hang (dog's tongue) lope move along with long strides loquacious talkative garrulous lucubrate write in scholarly fashion luculent easily understood lucid clear lugubrious mournful excessively sad lull become quiet or less active lumber move in a clumsy/noisy way luminary star light-giving body lurk be out of view ready to attack lustrous being bright polished macabre gruesome suggesting death macerate make or become soft by soaking in water machination plot scheme (esp. evil) maladroit tactless clumsy malapropism misuse of a word (for one that resembles it) malevolence wishing to do evil malign injurious speak ill of smb tell lie malinger to fake illness or injury in order to shirk a duty malleable yielding easily shaped moldable adapting manacle chains for the hands or feet massacre cruel killing of a large number of people matriculation be admitted enter a university as a student maudlin sentimental in a silly or tearful way maul hurt by rough handling maverick rebel nonconformist mellifluous sweetly flowing mendacity dishonesty mendicant a beggar mercurial quick changeable in character fleeting meretricious attractive on the surface but of little value mesmerize hypnotize meticulous giving great attention to details mettle quality of endurance or courage mettlesome courageous high-spirited middling fairly good but not very good minatory menacing threatening mince pronounce or speak affectedly euphemize misanthrope person who hates mankind mischievous harmful causing mischief miser person who loves wealth and spends little misogynist one who hates women/females mite Avery small amount, portion, or particle moderation quality of being limited not extreme mollify make calmer or quieter molt moult lose hair feathers before new growing morbid diseased unhealthy (e.g.. about ideas) morose ill-tempered unsocial muffler cloth worn round the neck/silencer multifarious varied motley greatly diversified mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual commonplace everyday myriad very great number nadir lowest weakest point nascent coming into existence emerging nebulous cloud-like hazy vague indistinct negligent taking too little care neophyte person who has been converted to a belief nexus a connection tie or link nibble show some inclination to accept (an offer) noisome offensive disgusting (smell) nonchalant not having interest nonplused greatly surprised nostrum a quack remedy an untested cure noxious harmful nugatory trifling/worthless obdurate hardened and unrepenting stubborn inflexible obfuscate to darken make obscure muddle oblivious unaware having no memory obloquy abusively detractive language sharp criticism vituperation obsequious too eager to obey or serve obstreperous noisy loud obtain to be established accepted or customary obtrusive projecting prominent undesirably noticeable obtuse blunt/stupid obviate to make unnecessary get rid of occluded blocked up odious repulsive hateful odium contempt dislike aversion odor smell favor reputation officious too eager or ready to help offer advice ominous threatening onerous needing effort burdensome opaqueness dullness/not allowing light to pass through opprobrious showing scorn or reproach ossify to turn to bone to settle rigidly into an idea ostensible seeming appearing as such professed ostentation display to obtain admiration or envy ostracism shut out from society refuse to meet talk overhaul examine thoroughly to learn about the condition overweening presumptuously arrogant overbearing immoderate being a jerk paean song of praise or triumph palate roof of the mouth sense of taste palatial magnificent palliate lessen the severity of palpability can be felt touched understood palpitate tremble beat rapidly and irregularly panegyric formal praise eulogy paradigm a model example or pattern parenthesis sentence within another one something separated pariah an outcast a rejected and despised person parley negotiation, discussion between enemies parsimonious too economical miserly partisan one-sided committed to a party biased or prejudiced patron regular customer person who gives support paucity scarcity a lacking of peccadillo small sin small weakness in one's character pedantic bookish showing off learning pedestrian commonplace trite unremarkable pellucid transparent easy to understand penchant strong inclination a liking penitent feeling or showing regret penurious poor/stingy penury extreme poverty peregrination traveling about wandering peremptory urgent imperative unchallengeable ending debate perfidious treacherous faithless perfidy treachery breaking of faith perfunctory done as a duty without care perilous dangerous peripatetic wandering perish be destroyed decay perjury willful FALSE statement unlawful act permeate spread into every part of pernicious harmful injurious perpetrate be guilty commit (a crime) personable pleasing in appearance attractive perspicacity quick judging and understanding pertain belong as a part have reference pest destructive thing or a person who is nuisance petrified taken away power (to think feel act) petrify to make hard rocklike petrous like a rock hard stony petulant unreasonably impatient philistine a smug ignorant person one who lacks knowledge phlegmatic calm sluggish temperament unemotional picaresque involving clever rogues or adventurers pied of mixed colors pinch be too tight take between the thumb and finger pine waste away through sorrow or illness pious dutiful to parents devoted to religion piquant agreeably pungent stimulating pique hurt the pride or self-respect stir (curiosity) pitfall covered hole as a trap unsuspected danger pith essential part force soft liquid substance pivotal of great importance (others depend on it) placate soothe pacify calm plaintive mournful melancholy sorrowful plaque flat metal on a wall as a memorial platitude a trite or banal statement unoriginality plea request plead address a court of law as an advocate plethora glut pliant pliable easily bent shaped or twisted plod continue doing something without resting pluck pull the feathers off pick (e.g.. flowers) plumb get to the root of plummet fall plunge steeply plunge move quickly suddenly and with force poignant deeply moving keen poncho large piece of cloth ponderous heavy bulky dull portent omen marvelous threatening precarious uncertain risky dangerous precepts rules establishing standards of conduct preclude prevent make impossible precursory preliminary anticipating predilection special liking mental preference predominate have more power than others preen tidy/show self-satisfaction premature doing or happening something before the right time preponderance greatness in number strength weight presage warning sign presumption arrogance preternatural not normal or usual prevalent common prevaricate to equivocate to stray from the truth prim neat formal pristine primitive unspoiled pure as in earlier times unadulterated probity uprightness incorruptibility principle proclivity inclination procrastination keeping on putting off prodigal wasteful reckless with money prodigious enormous wonderful profane worldly having contempt for God profligacy shameless immorality profligate wasteful prodigal licentious extravagant profundity depth profuse abundant/lavish proliferate grow reproduce by rapid multification prolix tiring because too long prone prostrate inclined to (undesirable things) propagation increasing the number spreading extending propinquity nearness in time or place affinity of nature propitiatory conciliatory appeasing mitigating propitious auspicious presenting favorable circumstances prosaic everyday mundane commonplace trite pedestrian proscribe denounce as dangerous protracted prolonged provident frugal looking to the future provisional of the present time only provoke make angry vax prudence careful forethought prudish easily shocked excessively modest prune dried plum silly person pry get something inquire too curiously pucker wrinkle pugnacious fond of in the habit of fighting puissance strength punctilious precise paying attention to trivialities pundit pedant authority on a subject pungency sharpness stinging quality purvey provide supply pusillanimous cowardly craven putrefaction becoming rotten pyre large pile of wood for burning quack person dishonestly claiming to something quaff drink deeply quail lose courage turn frightened qualm feeling of doubt temporary feeling of sickness quandary state of doubt or perplexity quell suppress subdue quibble try to avoid by sophistication quiescence state of being passive/motionless quiescent at rest dormant torpid quirk habit or action peculiar to smb or something quixotic generous unselfish quotidian banal everyday rabble mob crowd the lower classes of populace raconteur person who tells anecdotes raffish low vulgar base tawdry ramify to be divided or subdivided to branch out rancorous feeling bitterness spitefulness rant use extravagant language rapacious greedy (esp for money) rarefy to make thin to make less dense to purify or refine rave act with excessive enthusiasm reactionary opposing progress rebuff snub recalcitrant disobedient recant take back as being FALSE give up recast cast or fashion anew recidivism relapse into antisocial or criminal behavior reciprocity granting of privileges in return for similar recitals a number of performance of music recluse person who lives alone and avoids people recompense make payment to reward punish reconcile settle a quarrel restore peace recondite little known abstruse recreancy cowardice a cowardly giving up recuperate become strong after illness loss exhaustion redeem get back by payment compensate redoubtable formidable causing fear refine make or become pure cultural refractory stubborn unmanageable untractable refulgent shining brilliant regale to delight or entertain to feast regicide crime of killing a king reiterate say or do again several times rejuvenation becoming young in nature or appearance relapse fall back again reminiscent viewing the past remonstrate to protest object render deliver provide represent renovate restore something to better condition renowned celebrated famous repast meal repel refuse to accept/cause dislike repine at be discontented with reproach scold upbraid reprobate person hardened in sin one devoid of decency repudiate disown refuse to accept or pay repulsive causing a feeling of disgust requite repay give in return rescind repeal/annul/cancel resigned unresisting submissive resilience quality of quickly recovering the original shape resort to frequently visit restive refusing to move reluctant to be controlled resuscitation coming back to consciousness retard check hinder reticent reserved untalkative silent taciturn retrospective Looking back on past revere have deep respect for reverent feeling or showing deep respect riddle puzzling person or thing rift split crack dissension rivet fix take up secure metal pin roll call calling of names rotund rich and deep plump and round ruffian violent cruel man rumple make rough sagacious having sound judgment perceptive wise like a sage salacious obscene salubrious healthful salutary remedial wholesome causing improvement sanctimony self-righteousness hypocritical with FALSE piety sanction approval (by authority) penalty sanguine cheerful confident optimistic sanity health of mind soundness of judgment sash long strip worn round the waist satiate satisfy fully saturnine gloomy dark sullen morose savant person of great learning savor taste flavor something sawdust tiny bits of wood scabbard sheath for the blade scent smell (especially pleasant) scorch become discolored/dry up/go at high speed scribble write hastily scurvy mean contemptible secular material (not spiritual) living outside monasteries sedulous persevering seminal like a seed constituting a source originative sententious short and pithy full of maxims/proverbs sequence succession connected line of sere make hard and without feeling sermon reproving a person for his faults serrated having a toothed edge serration having a toothed edge servile like a slave lacking independence sever break off severance severing shallow little depth not earnest shard piece of broken earthenware sheath cover for the blade of a weapon or a tool shrewd astute showing sound judgement shrill sharp piercing shun keep away from avoid shunt send from one track to another lay aside evade discussion sidestep step to one side simper (give a) silly/self-conscious smile sinuous winding undulating serpentine skiff small boat skit short piece of humorous writing slack sluggish dull not tight slake to assuage to satisfy allay slate king of blue-grey stone propose criticize sluggard lazy slow-moving person slur join sounds/words (indistinct) smolder burn slowly without flame snare trap snub treat with contempt soar rise fly high sober self-controlled sobriety quality or condition of being sober sodden soaked saturated soggy heavy with water solvent of the power of forming a solution somatic of the body soot black powder in smoke sophisticated complex subtle refined sophistry fallacious reasoning faulty logic sophomoric self-assured though immature affected bombastic overblown soporific producing sleep sordid wretched comfortless contemptible spear weapon with a metal point on a long shaft specious illogical of questionable truth or merit splenetic bad-tempered irritable splice join (two ends) sponge porous rubber for washing live at once expense spurious FALSE counterfeit spurn have nothing to do reject or refuse squalid foul filthy squander spend wastefully squat crouch/settle without permission stanch to stop the flow of a fluid steeply rising or falling sharply stentorian extremely loud and powerful stickler person who insists on importance of something stigma mark of shame or disgrace stigmatize describe smb scornfully sting something sharp stingy spending using unwillingly stint to be thrifty to set limits stipple paint with dots stipulate state or put forward as a necessary condition stolid showing no emotion impassive stray wander lose one's way streak long thin move very fast striated striped grooved or banded stride walk with long steps strut a supporting bar stygian hence dark gloomy stymie to hinder obstruct or block subdue overcome bring under control sublime extreme astounding submerge put under water liquid sink out of sight suborn induce by bribery or something to commit perjury subpoena written order requiring a person to appear in a low court substantiation giving facts to support (statement) subsume include under a rule succor assistance relief in time of distress suffice be enough suffocate cause or have difficulty in breathing sullied to be stained or discredited summarily briefly without delay sumptuous magnificent sundry various miscellaneous separate supercilious disdainful characterized by haughty scorn superfluous more then is needed or wanted superimpose put something on the top supersede take the place of supine lying on the back slow to act passive suppliant asking humbly beseeching supplicate make a humble petition to suppress prevent from being known put an end to surcharge additional load/charge surfeit satiate feed to fulness or to excess susceptibility sensitiveness swerve change direction suddenly sycophant person who flatter to the rich and powerful synopsis summary or outline taciturn untalkative silent tadpole form of a frog when it leaves the egg talon claw of a bird of prey tamp tap or drive down by repeated light blows tamper interfere with tangential suddenly changeable tarnished lost brightness tassel bunch of threads taunt contemptuous reproach hurtful remark taut tightly stretched tautology a repetition a redundancy tawdry cheap gaudy showy tacky teetotal oppose to alcohol telltale That gives warning or information temerity boldness brashness intrepidness temperance abstinence from alcohol self-control moderation temperate showing self-control tenacity firmness persistency adhesiveness tending to hang on tenuous insubstantial flimsy weak tepid lukewarm terse brief and to the point testiness witness/evidence thrift care economy thriving prosperous thwart obstruct/frustrate timid shy easily frightened timorous fearful timid afraid toady obsequious flatterer tonic something giving strength or energy topple be unsteady and overturn torment severe pain or suffering torpid sleeping sluggish lethargic dormant torque twisting force causing rotation tortuous devious/not straightforward tout person who worries others to buy something to use his service tractable easily controlled or guided transgress break go beyond (a limit) transient temporary fleeting transitory brief travesty parody/imitation trenchant forceful effective vigorous extremely perceptive incisive trepidation alarm excited state of mind trickle flow in drops trifling unimportant trite not new truce (agreement) stop of fighting for a time truculence aggressiveness ferocity trudge walk heavily turbid muddy having the sediment stirred up turbulence being uncontrolled violent turgid excessively ornate swollen or bloated turmoil trouble disturbance turpitude wickedness shamefulness turquoise greenish-blue precious stone tyro tiro beginner ubiquitous present everywhere ulterior situated beyond umbrage offense resentment uncouth rough awkward underbid make a lower bid then smb else undermine weaken gradually at the base make something under undulate to move in wavelike fashion fluctuate unearth discover and bring to light unencumbered easy-going trifle unfeigned not pretended sincere unscathed unharmed unhurt untoward unfortunate inconvenient upbraid scold reproach urbane elegant refined in manners vacillation being uncertain hesitating vagary strange act or idea vain without use result conceited valiant brave valorous brave vanquish conquer variegate To mark with different shade or colors veer change direction venal ready to do something dishonest veneer surface appearance covering the TRUE nature veneration regard with deep respect veracity truth verdant fresh and green verisimilitude appearing TRUE or real veritable real rightly named verve spirit vigor enthusiasm vestige trace or sign vex annoy distress trouble vigilance watchfulness self-appointed group who maintain order vigilant member of a vigilance committee vigorous strong energetic vilify slander say evil things vindictive having a desire to revenge virago a loud domineering woman a scold or nag visceral of the internal organs of the body viscous sticky/semi-fluid vitiate lower the quality weaken the strength vituperate curse abuse in words vivacious lively high-spirited volatile changeable inconstant fickle unstable explosive volubility fluency verbosity easy use of spoken language voluble fluent waffle talk vaguely and without much result waft scent waving movement carry lightly through wag merry person warmonger person who stirs up war warrant authority written order guarantee wean to turn away (from a habit) weigh measure hoe heavy something is welter turmoil a bewildering jumble wend to go proceed whimsical full of odd and fanciful ideas wince show bodily or mental pain woo try to win writ written order xenophile (zen-uh-fahyl) a person who is attracted to foreign peoples, cultures, or customs yarn tale story fibers for knitting